Birkenhead

An assessment of population growth drivers in Birkenhead reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Birkenhead's population is estimated at approximately 1,867 people. This figure reflects an increase of 69 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,798. AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 7 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,051 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing around 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also played positive roles. Based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, Birkenhead's population is expected to increase by approximately 100 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of about 5.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Birkenhead according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Birkenhead has seen approximately 17 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, around 88 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26 so far. Each new home attracts about 0.7 new residents per year on average over these five years, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $419,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $127,000, suggesting minimal commercial activity. Comparatively, Birkenhead shows moderately higher development activity than Greater Adelaide, with 14.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although recent construction activity has decreased. New developments consist of 35.0% standalone homes and 65.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the existing pattern of 88.0% houses.

This change may reflect diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Birkenhead's population growth is expected to increase by 104 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections. The population per approval in Birkenhead is approximately 372 people.

Birkenhead has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No infrastructure changes or projects have been identified in this area by AreaSearch that could significantly impact it. Notable projects include Dock One, Our Port, Centre Street, Largs Bay, and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Birkenhead maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Birkenhead has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.0%, in line with Greater Adelaide's rate, while employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

Workforce participation stands at 69.6%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and public administration & safety. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 15.2% versus the regional average of 17.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data.

Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Birkenhead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Birkenhead had a median income among taxpayers of $56,862 during financial year 2022. The average income was $67,180 in the same period. This is higher than the national average and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $64,157 and an average income of $75,799, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 60th percentile with a weekly earning of $858, while household income sits at the 41st percentile. The largest earnings segment comprises 35.3% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (659 residents), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Birkenhead, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Birkenhead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Birkenhead's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.4% other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, contrasting with Adelaide metro's 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkenhead stood at 25.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.0% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,543, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $315, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Birkenhead's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

Birkenhead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.4% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Birkenhead faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Birkenhead trails regional benchmarks in educational qualifications, with 21.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 27.6%.

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 23.1% enrolled in formal education programs. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 4.8% in tertiary education. Le Fevre Peninsula Primary School serves Birkenhead residents, with an enrollment of 233 students as of the latest data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 12.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 8.9, suggesting Birkenhead serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Birkenhead has nine active public transport stops operating currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling ten different services. The combined weekly passenger trips from these routes amount to 251.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 166 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Birkenhead is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Birkenhead faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% (999 people) compared to 49.8% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues impact 10.3% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 66.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 16.6% (309 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Birkenhead ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Birkenhead's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of a certain date, 83.5% of its population were born in Australia, with 91.5% being citizens and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 37.6% of Birkenhead's population.

However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 0.9% versus 3.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.6%). Hungarian, German, and Welsh ethnicities were notably more prevalent in Birkenhead than the regional average: Hungarian at 0.4%, German at 5.1%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Birkenhead's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Birkenhead has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Birkenhead has an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort at 14.8% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.1% to 4.3% of Birkenhead's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Birkenhead's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 47 people (59%) from 80 to 128. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Birkenhead's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.